Chronos Capital, an early investor in Tyme Group and Optasia, is shifting focus toward artificial intelligence in healthcare, calling it the next transformative force in global medicine.
“AI in healthcare is where fintech was in financial services 30 years ago,” said partner Roger Grobler. “All the upside is still to be made.”
AI’s ability to process vast datasets can help interpret medical records, diagnose illness, and reduce healthcare inefficiencies. Grobler sees major potential in emerging markets, where AI can scale services in regions with limited access to doctors, such as mobile clinics in rural areas.
Chronos, which has $467 million (R8.3 billion) in assets under management, favors long-term, scalable investments with AI embedded in the value chain. It typically makes just two investments a year, often co-investing with partners like billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital.
The firm’s portfolio includes:
- Tyme Bank, a digital lender operating in South Africa, the Philippines, and Vietnam, now valued at over $1 billion.
- Optasia, a Dubai-based fintech offering micro-loans in 40 countries, recently valued at $1 billion.
- Rain, a data-only mobile network that built South Africa’s largest 5G network and is valued above $1 billion.
“We like audacious business models,” said Grobler, noting that Rain succeeded despite early skepticism.
